Liberal Arts

'Love Liberal Arts' Week begins Feb. 9

College of the Liberal Arts to host eight in-person and virtual events from Feb. 9 to 12

Dean Clarence Lang and Associate Dean Mark Morrisson (center back) with students during Love Liberal Arts Week in February 2025. Credit: Kate Kenealy. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State College of the Liberal Arts students are invited to celebrate and explore the possibilities of a liberal arts degree during Love Liberal Arts Week, taking place Feb. 9–12. Hosted by Liberal Arts Student Services, the weeklong series features workshops, panels and activities designed to help students connect their interests to meaningful academic and career paths.

Through a mix of workshops, panels and interactive activities, Love Liberal Arts Week highlights the many ways a liberal arts education can support students’ academic, personal and professional goals. The events are designed to help students build practical skills, reflect on their interests and explore how their Liberal Arts experience can translate into meaningful opportunities during and after college.

“This week is one of my favorites on the Liberal Arts calendar,” said Clarence Lang, Susan Welch Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts. “This gives the college a special opportunity to promote the value of a liberal arts education, create space for students to explore their interests, and build confidence and a sense of belonging with the College of the Liberal Arts community.”

As part of the celebration, the college is sponsoring a limited-time Penn State Berkey Creamery flavor for the month of February, temporarily renamed "Love Liberal Arts to Death (by Chocolate)." The flavor will be featured at select Love Liberal Arts Week events and will also be available at the Creamery throughout the month, offering students a sweet way to celebrate their Liberal Arts experience.

“I’m excited about the kickoff of this year’s Love Liberal Arts Week,” said Mark Morrisson, associate dean for undergraduate studies in the College of the Liberal Arts. “We have fantastic Student Services in the college, and this celebration offers students a great way to explore Liberal Arts resources, develop practical skills and connect interests to academic and professional pathways, all while enjoying the best flavor at the Creamery, 'Love Liberal Arts to Death (by Chocolate)'!”

Explore the full list of Love Liberal Arts Week events below.

Monday, Feb. 9

10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Love Liberal Arts Kickoff

All you need is love … and Liberal Arts Student Services! Drop by the Sparks Building lobby to help us kick off our week-long event with activities like button making, a photo booth, and valentines wall while munching on food from the popcorn and candy bar. Spin the prize wheel for the chance to win Liberal Arts merch. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore how Liberal Arts Student Services can support you and learn more about the week ahead.

5–6 p.m. — A Love Match: Connect Your Interests to Careers

Find your perfect career match while enjoying pizza and Love Liberal Arts to Death (by Chocolate) Berkey Creamery ice cream. In this interactive workshop in 101A Old Botany Building, you’ll explore what motivates you, uncover career paths that align with your interests, and see how your liberal arts skills translate into meaningful, real-world careers. To prepare for the event, request and take the assessment by Thursday, Feb. 5. Students will receive their results at the workshop on Monday, Feb. 9.

5:30–7:30 p.m. — Mindfulness Mondays: Love the People Who Help Us Learn

Join the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success in 139 Sparks Building for an afternoon of creating Valentine’s Day cards or notes of appreciation for someone who has supported your studies, such as a professor, academic adviser, teaching assistant or someone within your department.

Tuesday, Feb. 10

6–7 p.m. — Etiquette Dinner

Learn the basics of professional dining etiquette in this interactive dinner designed for Liberal Arts students. The event focuses on building confidence, communication and networking skills students can carry into internships, interviews and professional settings. Registration for this event has already closed.

Wednesday, Feb. 11

3:30–5 p.m. — "The Shapes of Love: From Plato to the Present — Cultivation or Consumption?"

A 30-minute presentation by Tyrique Mack-Georges, a philosophy doctoral student, in 124 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center (Pod #2) will be followed by a student-led panel and audience Q&A. The conversation will explore how ideas about love — from Plato to the present — shape relationships, identity and values, and consider whether modern dating culture supports or challenges love as a form of self-cultivation. A reception will follow the panel in Old Botany Building from 5 to 7 p.m.

5–6 p.m. — Love LAUC Alumni Panel

Join the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council (LAUC) to virtually connect with and learn how Liberal Arts alumni were shaped by their Liberal Arts education and involvement with LAUC.

5–7 p.m. — Love Where You’re From: First-Gen Celebration

Join the Liberal Arts First-Gen Committee in 124 Sparks Building to make bracelets and Valentine's Day cards while snacking on chocolate strawberries and tiramisu.

Thursday, Feb. 12

11 a.m.–2 p.m. — Professional Headshots

Love Liberal Arts Week is the perfect time to spice up your LinkedIn profile. Stop by Old Botany Building for a free professional headshot — open to all Liberal Arts students, no sign-up needed. Presented by the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network, LAUC and the Liberal Arts Ambassadors.

In addition to Love Liberal Arts Week, Liberal Arts Student Services hosts various events throughout the year, which can be found on the Liberal Arts events calendar, which provides an array of resources for Liberal Arts students.

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